erted to reduce us; when we look back on the variety of dangers to which we have been exposed, and how miraculously our wants, in many instances, have been supplied, and our deliverances wrought, when even hope and human fortitude have become unequal to the conflict, we are unavoidably led to a serious, and grateful sense of the manifold blessings which we have undeservedly received from the hand of that being from whom cometh down every good and perfect gift.

Impressed with these sentiments, we conceive that it is our duty, and we rejoice that it is in our power, to extend a portion of that freedom to others, which hath been extended to us; and a release from that state of thraldom, to which we ourselves were tyrannically doomed, and from which we have now every prospect of being delivered. It is not for us to enquire why, in the creation of mankind, the inhabitants of the several parts of the earth were distinguished by a difference of feature, or complexion. It is sufficient for us to know that all were the work of an Almighty Hand. We find in the distribution of the human species, that the most fertile, as well as the most barren, are inhabited by men of complexions different from ours, and from each other; from whence we may rationally, as well as religiously infer, that he who placed them in their varied situations, hath extended his care equally to all, and that it becometh not us to counteract his mercies. We esteem it a peculiar blessing that we this day, are enabled to add one more step to universal civilization, by removing as much as possible, the sorrows of those who have lived in undeserved bondage, and from which by the assumed authority of the kings of GreatBritain, no effectual legal relief could be obtained. Weaneu by a long course of experience from those narrow prejudices, and partialities we had imbibed, we find our hearts enla ged with kindness and benevolence towards men of all conditions, aud nations; and we conceive our

selves, at this particular period, extraordinarily called upon, by she blessings which we have received, to maifest the sincerity of our professions, to give a substantial proof of our gratitude.

"And whereas, the condition of those persons who have been heretofore denominated, negro and mulatto slaves, has been attended with circumstances which not only deprived them of the common blessings to which they were by nature entitled; but has cast them into the deepest afflictions, by an unnatural separation of husband and wife, parents and children, &c. an injury, the greatness of which can never be conceived of, only by supposing ourselves in the same unhappy case. In justice therefore to persons so unhappily circumstanced, and who having no prospects before them whereon they may rest their sorrows and hopes, have no reasonable inducements to render their service to society, which they otherwise might; and also in grateful commemoration of our happy deliverance from that state of unconditional slavery, to which we were doomed by the tyranny of Britain

"Be it enacted, That no child born hereafter shall be a slave. That negro, and mulatto children, shall be servants only until twenty-eight years of age. That all slaves shall be registered before the 1st of November next. That negroes and mulattoes shall be tried like other inhabitants., That none shall be deemed slaves but those registered. That slaves carried away from this state may be brought back and registered, and that no negroes or mulattoes shall be bound for a longer term than seven years."

The northern states followed this laudable, this virtu ous example of Pennsylvania, and are now reaping the benefit of it.

At this eventful moment the fleet and armament from France, promised by the Marquis La Fayette, arrived at

Rhode-Island, July 10th, consisting of two ships of 80 guns, one of 74, four of 64, two frigates of 40, a cutter of 20, an hospital ship pierced for 64, one bomb ship, and 32 transports, under the command of the Chevalier de Ternay. Also four old regiments of land forces, together with the legion of De Lawzern, and a battalion of artillery; in the whole about 6000, under the command of Lt. Gen. Count De Rochambeau.

These illustrious allies were received with every expression of joy, and every possible mark of respect. Gen. Heath received the general at his landing, and put him and his troops in possession of the Island, where they were handsomely accommodated. The General Assembly, then in session at Newport, by their special committee, presented the count with a complimentary address, to which he replied, with assurances "that a much greater force would soon follow him, and that his whole powers should be devoted to the service of the United States.

"The French troops, (added the count,) are under the strictest discipline, and acting under the orders of Gen. Washington, will live with the Americans as their brethren. 1 am highly sensible of the marks of respect shewn me by the assembly, and beg leave to assure them, that as brethren, not only my life, but the lives of the troops under my command, are devoted to their service."

The same honors, and the same compliments were paid to the French Admiral, and the same respectful notice returned.

The Marquis La Fayette also met the French officers upon their arrival, and witnessed the respectful attention, as well as the general hilarity of the occasion.

Gen. Washington recommended to the officers of the American army, in general orders, to wear black and white cockades, as a compliment to their illustrious allies.

The arrival of the French fleet gave a shock to the British fleet, then at New-York, under the command of Admiral Arbuthnot, consisting only of four sail of the line; but he was reinforced on the 20th, by 6 ships of the line, under Admiral Graves, and felt himself secure.

Sir Henry Clinton meditated an attack upon the French at Newport, and immediately embarked 8000 troops, and moved with his fleet to Huntington-Bay, on Long-Island, to be in readiness to act according to circumstances.

Massachusetts and Connecticut took the alarm, detached a strong body of militia, and marched to Rhode-Island, to co-operate with their illustrious allies.

Gen. Washington made a diversion, and moved his whole force down to King's-Bridge, determined to act offensively against New-York. This movement changed

the views of Sir Henry, and he returned with speed to the protection of his strong-hold, July 31.

Gen. Wayne on the 20th, put himself at the head of a strong detachment, and made a descent upon Bergen-Neck, in order to bring off a large number of horses and cattle; but the enemy were so strongly posted at a block-house, as to defeat the interprise with some considerable loss, in killed and wounded.

CHAPTER XVII.

REVOLUTION CONTINued.

THE affairs of America had again become critical, and even desperate. The hard winter of 1779-80 set in immediately after the departure of the expedition under Sir Henry Clinton, and the privations and distresses under Gen. Washington, were inexpressibly severe through the winter and spring; a mutiny ensued in his army, by the revolt of two regiments, in consequence of their sufferings, and the cause of liberty was in danger of being lost forever; but by the exertions of the commander in chief seconded by his officers, the mutiny was quelled, and the soldiers returned to their duty.

At this eventful period, the Marquis La Fayette returned from France, and arrived at head-quarters; the tidings he brought gave new spirits to Gen. Washington, and to Congress. The marquis had negociated for America at the French Court, and obtained supplies adapted to her wants, and had now announced to Gen. Washington and to Congress, that a fleet and armament would soon follow him from France.

Congress immediately resolved "that bills to the amount of 25 thousand pounds be drawn on Dr. Franklin, minister at the court of France, and that bills of the same amount be immediately drawn on Mr. Jay, minister at the court of Spain, and the money be applied to the immediate benefit of the armies.

Extensive arrangements were made immediately to fill up the armies by regulars, and militia, and extensive supplies were collected, and preparations made for a vigorous campaign.